Changeable exhibitor



G. F. REED Aug. 16, 1932.

CHANGEABLE EXHIBITOR Filed Sept. 26, 1951 5 Sheets$heet l T l I l cmvge T Kev-A.

Lu a 1M i-11f Aug. 16, 1932; REED 1 872507 CHANGEABLE EXHIBITOR I Filed Sept. 26, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 2.

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Aug. 16, 1932. cs. F. REED CHANGEABLE EXHIBITOR Filed Sept. 26, 1931 5 ShGGtS-Shei 5 Aug. 16, 1932. a F, R EED 1,872,607

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Aug. 16, 1932.

Sept. 26, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 gvvuewtoc Qmwc aT. Yyxb.

@w i W41 Patented Aug. 16, 1932 tJNHTED {STATES GEORGE F. REED, 0F PITTSBURGH; PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR, BY DIRECT ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE TElB -LI'JEIE] COMPANY, INC., OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYL- VANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA I V QI-IANGEABLE nxnrnrron Application filed septelnberafi', 1 931. ScriaI No. 565,354.

This invention relates to improvements in changeable exhibitors of the endless strip type and the invention comprises a casing having in one wallthereof a window in back of which is positioned a suitable illuminator for projecting rays of light through the endless display strip.

The invention further comprises a novel form of display strip which may beformed of a transparent material capable of being flexed and having on'each longitudinal edge thereof a binding and reinforcing strip. Also, the invention consists of positioning the endless display strip between a'pair'of endless chains whereby the display strip will travel with the endless chain in alignment with the pivot pin thereof. 1 Further, the invention comprises means for spacing the endless chains between which the display strip is arranged which includes spacing rods having reduced ends which pass through the bearings of one pair of links of each of the chains. a v A further object of this invention is to provide a changeable exhibitor of the endless type in which the endless display member is arranged in such a'fashion as to provide an endless display member of a greater'length than. the vertical height of the casing, whereupon advertising matter placed uponthe] display strip may continuously move past the opening within the casingprojecting a larger number of advertisements than if an endless strip was employed equal in length. to the height of the casing.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel supporting clip, one end of whichis adapted to be fastenedto the reinforced edge of the display strip while the opposite end is particularly constructed to be received between a pair of links and form the pivot pins therefor.

Heretofore, it has been common practice in changeable exhibitors of this. typeto em,-

ploy endless strips of material mounted in a casing and adapted to pass over rollers so that a portion of the endless strip will pass in back of a window within the casing. It has been customary to form the endless strip of a single strip of material of a flexible nature and it is quite obvious that the longitudinal edges of the endless strip in time became worn and the endless strip would break or become damaged to such an extent as to prevent its further use as an endless changeable exhibitor. It also has" been attempted in the art to employ chains for guiding an endless strip in. acontinuous path but on account of the constant flexing ofthe endless strip, the same has become detached from the chain and pulled out 'of'place through constant use. i I The above objections and disadvantages areovercome by providing a changeable ex hib'itor with an endless strip preferably formed of a transparent-flexible material such as celluloid or' the like having'its longitudinal edges reinforced with a metallic strip capable of being flexed whereby the endless strip may be easily attached to. the chain which guides the endless strip in its continuous path. I I p a a j Other objects and advantages of the in: vention will become: apparent during the course of the following description, forming apart of this specification and in which, Figure 1 is afront elevation of the device embodying this-invention; 5 g

Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view, of the changeable exhibitor taken on lines. 22 of F igure'l, looking in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the mannerin which the endless exhibitor is arranged within the,

casing and further illustrating the position. of the reflector and the operating motor;

"Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view:

taken on lines 3-3 of Figure 1, looking in'thedirection of the arrows, illustrating-further the arrangement. of the endless exhibitor within the casing and the electric motor drive therefor;

Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal crosssectional view illustrating the bearing supports for the sprocket wheels of the sprocket chains illustrating the casing enlarged for the purpose of more clearly showing the structural details thereof;

Figure 4a is a horizontal cross-sectional view further illustrating the position and arrangement of the various sprocket wheels over which pass the endless sprocket chains and further showing the position of the electric motor drive; 7

Figure 5 is a fragmentary enlarged View of the endless display strip showing the marginal edges secured to the oppositely arranged endless chains;

Figure 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of Figure 5, showing the manner in which the display member or strip is disposed in alignment withthe bearings of the endless chain;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary side elevation of the chain illustrating the manner in which one of the supporting links or clips is secured thereto;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of one of the connections for connecting the transparent display strip to the endless sprocket chain;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of one of the supporting clips showing the parts therein in exploded relation;

Figure 10 is a modified form of the invention and illustrates a plurality of sectional display units supported by and secured to the oppositely arranged endless sprocket chains; v

Figure 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken through Figure 10, illustrating a portion of the endless strip and showing the manner in which the sectional display units are-mounted in the pivot plane of the endless sprocket chain; a

Figure 12 is a perspective view of one of the sprocket chain spacing rods;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a modified form of easing illustrating a central opening having marginal openings there around;

F i ure 14 is a perspective view of a modified orm of endless display member; and

Figure 15 is a perspective view of afurther modified form of endless display member or strip.

In thedrawings, wherein for the purpose of illustrating the invention and wherein like reference characters will be employed to designate like parts throughout the same, the reference character 10 will generally be employed to designate a rectangular casing including a front wall 11, rear wall 12, end

walls 13, bottom wall 14 and a top wall 15,v

which are held together by means of horizontal angle bars 16 at the top of the casing and horizontal angle bars 17 at the lower portion of the casing. If desired, the walls of the casing may be secured to the angle bars by rivets, nuts and bolts or machine screws.

The front wall 11 of the casing is provided with a central opening 18 around the marginal edges of which is secured angle bars 19 on the inner side of the casing adjacent the opening and are adapted to be spaced by marginal strips 20 in order to allow the insertion of a transparent window 21. Vertical angle bars 22 are placed in each of the corners of the casing and are of the same material as the top and bottom angle bars 16 and 17. Secured to the front wall 11 of the casing and extending parallel with the vertical angle bars 22 is a pair of angle bars 23 positioned on opposite sides of the win 'dowed opening 18. Directly in back of the vertical angle bars 23 and secured to the rear wall 12 is also a pair of angle bars 2364. Figures 3 and l clearly illustrate the arrangement and positioning of the vertical angle bars above described, Adjacent the top portion of the casing and extending between the vertical angle bars 22 is an angle bar 24: while at the lower end of the Vertical angle bars 22 there is positioned a pair of parallel angle bars 25 having the free ends secured to the vertical angle bars 22by means of rivets or welding. It will be noted that the angle bars are arranged so that the angle portions are spaced from each other. Mounted directly opposite and in a horizontal plane to the angle bars 24 and 25 are angle bars 26 and 27 having the free ends thereof secured to the upper and lower portions of the vertical angle bars 23 carried by the front wall 11 of the casing and the angle bars 23a carried by the rear wall of the casing. The anglefbars may be fastened together in any suitable fashion but it has been found in practice that welding provides a more serv iceable and rigid construction. It is also to be noted that the vertical angle bars 23 and 23a may be braced at the bottom by means of connecting angle bars 28 having the free ends connected to'the vertical angle bars 23 and 23a by-means of brackets 29 welded in place. The remaining angle bars may be held together and braced in the same fashion as by means of suitable angle brackets.

Mounted in the upper end of the casing and adjacent each end thereof are opposite pairs of shafts 30 which are journalled in bearings 31 mounted on the horizontal angle bars 24 and 26 and said bearings may be s ecured thereto by means of nuts and bolts 32.

On the end of each of the rotary shafts 30 125 there is secured sprocket wheels 33 more clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. At the lower portion of the casing and adjacent each end thereof are opposite pairs of rotary shafts 3 1 which are journalled in bearings 35 130 secured to the lowermost opposite angle bars.

25* and 27. The bearings 35 are fastened to the angle bars 25 and 27 inthe same manner that the bearings for the upper shafts are fastened, namelyby ineans of nuts and bolts 36. On the free innerends of the shafts 34 there is rigidly secured sprocket wheels 37 whichare in horizontal alignment with each other and are also in vertical alignment with the sprocket wheels 33 in the upper portion of the casing.

Mounted midway between the oppositely arranged horizontal angle bars 25 and 27 are opposite rotary shafts 38 the outer ends of which are journalled in bearings 39 secured to the upper horizontal angle bar 25 while the inner ends of the shafts 38 are journalled in bearin gs 40 secured toithe upper set of horizontal anglebars 27 by means of fastening elements such as the machine screws 41. Rigidly secured to the shafts 38 between the bearings 39 and 40 is a sprocket wheel 42 for connection to the drive apparatus which will be hereinafter fully described. On the inner ends of the shafts 38 there is also provided sprocket wheels 43 in direct vertical alignment with the upper and lower sprocket wheels 33 and 37." r v A pair-of endless sprocket chains 44 are adapted to pass over the sprocket wheels'33,

37 and 43 after the fashion clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3; Itwill be noted that the sprocket chains 44 assume aU-shape figure due to its passage over the sprocket wheels 33, 37 and 43.

The shafts38 are adapted to be driven by means of sprocket chains 45-passing therearound and over sprocket wheels secured directly under the sprocket wheels 42 on a shaft 46 which may have its free ends journalled in the side walls of the casing or in suitable bearings provided for this purpose. An electric motor has its base 48-secured to the angle bar.

28 by means of suitable screws or bolts and the motor has its armature shaft 49..provided with a sprocket wheel 50 over which is passed a sprocket chain 51 which passes over a sprocket wheel 52 on the horizontal drive shaft 46. This construction allows for the rotation of the shafts 38 in unison and such rotation causes the continuous motion of the endless chain 44 which passes over the sprocket wheels 43 and to the sprocket wheels 83 and It will be noted that the course of the opposite pair of endless chains 44 is arranged within the casing in a vertical fashion so that the sprocket chains 44 may move past the window:21 on opposite sides thereof and in a vertical direction. Mounted in back of the window 21 there is'provided a reflector 54 supported within the casing in any suitable manner and having at the top and bottom thereof electric lamps 55 for directing rays'of light upon the reflector 54 in an indirect manner whereupon said rays may be passed through the transparentdisplay member for illuminatingparts thereof while portions may be darkened'with advertising matter such as printing or painting of designs thereon.

Attention is now directed to Figures 5 to 9 inclusive wherein is illustrated in detail the transparent endless display member which is designated by the reference characrivets 59 arranged along the marginal strip I I of Swedish spring steel 58 in a staggered relation. If. desired, the Swedish spring steel 58 may be secured on both sides of the transparent display member 57 as clearly illustrated in Figure 6 or only one side may be provided with reinforcing Swedish spring steel, that is only one side of each longitudinal edge.

It is proposed, to mount thev transparent endless display strip 57 between the opposite 1y arranged endless sprocket chains 44 as clearly shown in Figures 5 and 6 and it is proposed to provide metal clips as illustrated in Figure 9 for this purpose. The clips designated in Figure 9 may be arranged at spaced intervals on the chains 44 and each of the strips comprises a flat base portion 60 having anangle portion 61 which is bent inwardly as at 62 substantially parallel with the base portion 60 whereupon the inturned portion 62 is bent as at 63 and, extends outwardly in the form of a lug 64 having at theend thereof a suitable opening 65, while the base portion 60 is also provided with suitable openings 66. I

The retaining clips shown in Figure 9 may be secured to the endless sprocket chains 44 by removing a pair of adjacent pivot pins thereof and placing the base portion 60 as shown in Figure 5 which is adapted to replace,

one of the connecting links of the chainssince the openings 66 are of thesame distance apart as the openings in the'links as clearly shown in Figures 5 and 8. After the pivot pins of the chain have been removed, a pair of elongated pivot pins 67 are passed through the openings 66 and moved through the openings inthe endless chain to replace-the bearing pins steel strip 58 through one of the eyelets 57 by.

means of suitable bolts 72 having nuts 73 threaded on the opposite ends'thereof. It is to be noted that this arrangement allows the V the sprocket chains ll as shown in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive and between the sprocket chains 44a there is mounted sectional transparent display members 7l also formed of a transparent material such as celluloid capable of being flexed and each of the transparent dis play units 7 4 are reinforced on the marginal edges thereof by Swedish spring steel strips 75 which are continuous and are placed around the top, bottom and side edges of the transparent display member 74 and held in place by means of eyelets 76 in staggered spaced relation.

The side edges of the transparent display member 74'are secured to the chains la by means of the same type of clip as illustrated in Figure 9, while the top and bottom edges of the transparent display members are fastened to spacing rods-77 which have the op posite ends thereof reduced as at 78 for replacing one of the pivot pins of the sprocket chain 44a. Transverse openings '79 are provided in the opposite ends of the spacing rods 77 so that a cotter key or the like may be passed therethrough to hold the same in place I relative to the endless sprocket chain thereby forming one of the pivot pins for said sprocket chain. U-shaped metal clips 80 pass around the spacing rods 77 and have their free ends secured to the marginal edges of the transparent display members on the Swedish spring steel reinforcing strips 75 by bolts 81 having nuts 82 threaded on the opposite end thereof as clearly illustrated in Figure 11.

It is'to be'understood, that the U-shaped clips 80 are mounted in staggered relation as illustrated in Figure 10 to insure a more complete structure and rigid connection between the transparent display members 74 and the spacing rods 77. It is also to be understood that the spacing rods 77 may be connected between the endless sprocket chains Me at predetermined spaced intervals to accommodate the transparent display members 74.

In Figure 13 there is shown a modified form of easing 1064 having a front Wall 1160 which isprovided with a central opening 18a having a window 21a of a transparent materi'al. Around the marginal edges of the central opening 18a there is provided horizontal openings 18?) and vertical openings 180 which may be formed in any desired design or configuration as. clearly shown in drawlngs.

Figure 14: shows a modified form of endless display strip 57a comprising a stenciled sheet of Swedish spring steel 58a having a plurality of openings 58b in back of which is positioned an endless strip of transparent celluloid or the like 576 upon which may be marked or printed designs or advertising matter in a fashion similar to the endless strip 57 referred to in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive.

A still further modified form of endless displaymember is illustrated in Figure and comprises an endless strip of Swedish spring steel 580 having printed or painted thereon suitable designs or characters designated at 58d.

It is to be understood that the casing a may have in the marginal windows 18?) and 180 still signs or an endless exhibitor for each opening similar to the one designed for the central opening as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive.

It is further to be understood, that the form of invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred embodiment of the same and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of partsmay be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim 1. A changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, a pair of endless carriers mounted vertically within the casing, one positioned on each side of the windowed opening and independent of each other, a display member mounted at its side edges between the endless carriers, and flexible reinforcing strips for theopposite side edges of the display member adapted for the absorption of tension when the display member is moved through an arc in its travelwith and between the endless carriers.

2. A. changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, sprocket wheels mounted in the upper and lower portions of the casing and adjacent each end thereof, endless sprocket chains for the sprocket wheels whereby said sprocket chainsmay be caused to travel in a continuous :fashion on. opposite sides of the windowed opening, a transparent display member mounted between the sprocket chains, clips secured to the sprocket chains in spaced relation'thereon, each of said clips comprising a flat base portion having an angle portion connecting a lug, replacement pins for certain of the pivot pins of the sprocket chains .to hold the clips in place, and nuts and bolts passing through the lugs and through the transparent display member for holding the same in place between the endless sprocket chains. f

3. A changeable exhibitor comprising "a casing having a windowin the front wall thereof, a pair of endless chains mounted vertically within the casing to pass over suitable sprocket wheels, said chains being positioned so that one passes along eachside of the window, a transparent display member supported between the endless ch ains and means carried by the chains connecting the transparent display members, said means comprising a metallic Clip comprising a base portion having apertures therein of the same distance apart as the openings in one of the links of the chain whereby the pivot pins of the chains may be removed and replacement pins passed through the apertures in the metal clip for holding the same to the chain, a lug extending from the metal clip in substantially the same pivot plane as the replacement pins, and a pin or bolt passing through the lug and connected to the transparent display member.

4. A changeable exhibitor in which a'display member is adapted to travel in arcuate tortuous paths in the absence of guide rollers and comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, sprocket wheels mounted within the casing, endless sprocket chains passing over the sprocket wheels, one of said sprocket chains being arranged on each side of-the window, a flexible transparent display member secured at spaced intervals to the sprocket chains, tension absorption reinforcing strips for the opposite side edges of the transparent display member and illuminating means in back of the transparent display member.

5. A changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, sprocket wheels mounted in the upper and lower portions of the casing, endless sprocket chains passing over the sprocket wheels, one of said sprocket chains being arranged on each side of the window, lugs secured to the endless chains in spaced relation thereon, said lugs comprising a base portion connecting the lug by an angle portion, openings formed in the base portion in spaced relation of the same distance as the pivot pin openings in the chain links, replacement pins for securing the base portion of each of-the lugs to the chains, each of said pins having an enlarged head at one end, a retaining pin passing through transverse openings at the opposite end, and a transparent display member secured to the lugs between the endless sprocket chains.

6. A changeable exhibitor of the character described, comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, a pair of endless sprocket chains arranged within the casing, one of which passes in a continuous fashion on each side of the window, angle plates secured'to the sprocket chains in spaced relation thereon, a lug extending from the angle plate having an opening in its outer end, replacement pins passing through the angle plates and through the links of the chains, retaining pins for holding the replacement pins in place, and a transparent display member mounted between the oppositely arranged angle plates and secured to the outwardly extending lugs by means of a fastening element passing through the opening thereof and through an opening in the transparent display member. 1

7 A changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, a pair of-endless sprocket chains vertically mounted within the casing, one of said sprocket chains being arranged on each side of the window, sprocket wheels mounted in the upper and lower portions of the casing for supporting the endless sprocket chains, angle plates secured to the sprocket chains in spaced relation, each of 'said angle plates comprising a base portion having openings at each end thereof, replacement pins for the sprocketchains for being passed through the openings in the angle plates, transverse pins secured to the free ends of the replacement pins, a lug extending from the angle plate having an opening in the free end thereof and a transparent display member secured to the lug whereby the transparent display member will be moved through an arc'coincident to the are described by the endless sprocket-chains.

8. A changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a windowed opening in the front wall thereof, a pair of endless sprocket chains vertically mounted within the casing,

sprocket wheels at the top and bottom portions of the casing for supporting the endless sprocket chains, said sprocket chains being arranged so that one passes on each-side of the windowed opening, a continuous display strip mounted between the sprocket chains,

means carried by the sprocket chains at spacedintervals thereof for fastening to the longitudinal edges of the endless displays strip, and illuminating means in back of the transparent display strip so that advertising matter'placed thereon may be visible through the windowed opening in the casing.

9. A changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, a pair'of endless sprocket chains vertically disposed in the casing and'arranged so that one is on each side of'the windowed opening, sprocket wheels at the top and bottom portions of the casing for supporting the sprocket chains, means for imparting movement to the sprocket chains, an endless transparent display member mounted between the sprocket chains in line with the chain pivots, metallic spring strips secured to the-longitudinal edges 'of the transparent display strip for reinforcing the same, reof the windowed opening and independent placement lugs for the sprocket chains for replacing certain of the links therein, lugs secured to the outer ends of the replacement lugs, for connection to the reinforced edges of the transparent display strip, means for spacing the endless sprocket chains in par allel relation and illuminating means mounted in back of the transparent display strip for projecting rays of light therethrough and through the windowed opening in the casing.

10. A changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a windowed opening in the front wall thereof, a pair of endless sprocket chains mounted vertically in the casing, one

' chains, transparent display members mount ed between the sprocket chains, each of said transparent display members having reinforcing strips on themarginal edges thereof,

.. means-for connecting the displav members to the endless sprocket cha ns, said means comprising replacement links adapted to be secured to the endless sprocket'chains after certain of the links have been removed, lugs secured to the replacement links for attachment to the reinforced edges of the transparent display members, said transparent display members being arranged in line with the pivot pins of the endless sprocket chains, and rods secured to the sprocket chains in spaced relation thereon for supporting the upper and lower edges of the transparent display members while at the same t me forming spacing means for hold ng the endless sprocket chains in spaced relation.

11. In a changeable exhibitor, a casing, a pair of spaced endless carriers mounted in the casing. one at each side of the casing. a flexible display member disposed between the endless carriers, means for attaching the opposite side ed es of the display member to the carriers, and reinforcing strips for the opposite side edges of the display member to move the display member through-an arc dur-- ing travel of the endless carriers.

12. In a changeable exhibitor, a casing. a pair of spaced endless carriers mounted in the casing, one at each side of the casing, a flexible display member disposed between the endless carriers, means for attaching the oppo site side edges of the display member to the 7 carriers, and reinforcing strips carried bv the displav member and extending in the direction of travel of the display member and endless carriers for moving the display member through an arc during travel of the endless carriers.

13. A changeable exhibitor comprising a casing having a window in the front wall thereof, a pair of endless carriers mounted within the casing, one positioned on each side .of each other, a display member mounted at its side edges on the endless carriers, said I carriers comprising pivotally connected link members'and said display member being in GEORGE F. REED. 

